So, you’ve got a skateboarder in your family or on your gift list? No idea where to begin when it comes to what to buy a skateboarder? No problem, that’s what we are here for! In part 2 of our 4-part gift guide, we will give you some great suggestions that are sure to work for the skater in your family. Whether the gift you need is big or small, something on this list is sure to work.
Skateboard Videos
What does a skateboarder do on a rainy day when they can’t skate? They watch videos of other people skateboarding! And, similar to your favorite movie, they can watch these videos over, and over, and over again. Fill their stocking with some stoke this year and load them up with some new skate videos to keep them going in un-skatable weather.
Bearings
We can make one generalization – every skater needs new bearings. If they don’t today, they probably will a week from now. Whether you plan to spend $20 or $120, there are some bearings out there that your skater will definitely appreciate. You can get them a classic, sturdy pair of steel bearings or make their year with a sweet set of ceramics. Either way, they will definitely be able to use them at some point. To see all the different bearing options available:
Shoes
Much like the actual skateboard deck, a skaters shoes take a major beating on a daily basis. There is no miracle shoe out there that can withstand the abuse of concrete and grip tape – but there are some shoes that are built tougher to be able to better stand up to the wear and tear of skateboarding. This category is simple, just know their shoe size and maybe a favorite color and the rest is simple. You can get a quick backstory about what makes a shoe a skate shoe. Otherwise, to start shopping for some new kicks:
Trucks
There is nothing more exciting than unwrapping a shiny new pair of skate trucks on Christmas morning. Trucks are something that can (and will) last a very long time, but just because they haven’t fallen apart doesn’t mean it isn’t time for a new pair. You will need a little bit of info about your favorite skater before you make this purchase. Measure the width of the skateboard so we know what size they will need and if possible, check the size of the wheel they ride too. If you already know these things, start shopping for skateboard trucks:
Skateboard Deck
Skateboards break. It’s just what they do. Especially if your favorite skater is out there on the daily, chances are, he or she will be needing a new deck in the near future. Stocking up on a couple decks makes it easy for that skater to have a backup plan in case they break their board while they are out with friends. Nothing is a bigger bummer than breaking your board in the middle of a fun skate session and not having backup. We recommend grabbing a tape measure and measuring the width of the board that they are currently skating, that way you know what size board they prefer.
Portable Speakers
Music makes everything better, including skateboarding. No skate session is complete without some tunes and a good portable speaker will make a great gift for any skateboarder out there. These speakers need to be durable, weather resistant, and most of all – loud. Lucky for you we have two killer options that are sure to get the job done. Both are bluetooth capable so they don’t need to leave their phone laying out where it can get run over and both have impressive (rechargeable) battery life so the fun doesn’t get cut short. Check out the Nixon Blaster or the Skullcandy Air Raid.
Protective Gear
Depending on how experienced your skater is, protective gear may be a perfect gift idea for this holiday season. The two major ones we always recommend are wrist guards and a helmet. You may need them to be with you for that helmet purchase but the wrist guards are an easy buy as long as you know (generally) what size person they are. If they are getting into skating pools and vert at the local skatepark, also look into knee and elbow pads. For the younger kids, we have some great youth 3-packs that come with wrist, knee and elbow pads – all at one great low price.
Wheels
Just like bearings, any skateboarder can use a fresh new set of wheels. Does the skater you are buying for like to get technical with tricks and grinds? Maybe something on the smaller side (50mm-54mm) would work best. Do they use their board for transportation? A nice softer/larger wheel (54mm-60mm) would be a great gift. No one can say “NO” to a new set of wheels. If they do, they/you can exchange them out for something else with our 365 day free return policy.
Skate Tool
A small stocking stuffer that is totally necessary is a skate tool. These universal tools have everything your skater needs to make any adjustments to his or her board. No matter what kind of skateboard they have, this universal tool will work for them. Check out the different colors available:
